Chapter 7 - Ethan Risked Everything to Save the Family He Had Once Walked Away FromThey found Marcus at an abandoned estate outside the city.
Maya's mother was being held inside.
Marcus wanted the trust.
Ethan refused.
The police prepared a tactical entry.
Maya insisted on going.
Ethan objected.
“No.”
“She is my mother.”
“I know.”
“I’m going.”
“If something happens—”
“Something already happened.”
She looked at him.
“I lost nine years.”
He stopped.
“I won't lose another.”
Ethan finally nodded.
They entered together.
Inside, Marcus waited.
Maya's mother was tied to a chair.
Marcus smiled.
“You came.”
Ethan stared at him.
“Let her go.”
Marcus laughed.
“You're still trying to play the hero.”
“No.”
Ethan stepped forward.
“I’m trying to be a father.”
Marcus's smile faded.
“Give me Noah.”
“No.”
“Then she dies.”
Maya moved.
Ethan grabbed her arm.
“Don't.”
Marcus held a weapon.
“You have thirty seconds.”
Maya looked at her mother.
Then at Ethan.
Then she did something Marcus hadn't expected.
She smiled.
“You already lost.”
Marcus frowned.
She raised her phone.
The entire conversation had been recorded.
Federal agents surrounded the property.
Marcus looked toward the windows.
Too late.
He tried to run.
Ethan tackled him.
They crashed onto the floor.
Marcus reached for his weapon.
Ethan pinned his wrist.
“You don't get to threaten my family.”
Marcus laughed.
“You think you're better than me?”
“No.”
Ethan looked at him.
“I know I'm different.”
Police entered.
Marcus was arrested.
Maya rushed to her mother.
They embraced.
Ethan stood back.
For the first time, he saw Maya cry openly.
He walked to her.
She looked up.
“We're okay.”
He touched her shoulder.
“Yes.”
Then her mother smiled.
“You're Ethan.”
He nodded.
“She talked about you.”
Maya looked embarrassed.
“Mom.”
“What?”
“You don't have to.”
Her mother laughed.
“I like him.”
Ethan smiled.
“Thank you.”
Maya rolled her eyes.
“Don't encourage her.”
They returned home.
Noah was asleep.
Ethan sat beside his bed.
Maya stood in the doorway.
“You're good with him.”
He looked at his son.
“I should have had practice.”
“You're getting it.”
He looked at her.
“Will you give me another chance?”
She didn't answer immediately.
“A chance at what?”
“Us.”
“I'm scared.”
“So am I.”
“You hurt me.”
“I know.”
“You left.”
“I know.”
“You chose someone else.”
“I know.”
“And I had to learn how to raise our child without you.”
His voice broke.
“I know.”
She came closer.
“What would be different?”
“Everything.”
“How?”
“I'd listen.”
“That's not enough.”
“I'd show up.”
“Every time?”
“Every time.”
“Even when it's hard?”
“Especially then.”
She looked at him.
“And if we fight?”
“We stay.”
“And if you're angry?”
“We talk.”
“And if someone prettier comes along?”
He smiled.
“I already had the prettiest woman.”
She rolled her eyes.
“That answer was terrible.”
“But true.”
She laughed softly.
Then he touched her cheek.
“May I kiss you?”
She hesitated.
Then nodded.
Their kiss was gentle.
Not passionate.
Not desperate.
A beginning.
When they pulled apart, Maya whispered:
“Don't make me regret this.”
“I won't.”
From the bedroom came a sleepy voice.
“Mom?”
Maya looked up.
“I'm here.”
“Dad too?”
Ethan smiled.
“Yes.”
Noah smiled from his pillow.
“Good.”
He closed his eyes.
Maya and Ethan looked at each other.
Neither said anything.
May you like
But both knew.
The family had finally begun.
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